Posted on: Thursday, November 21, 2002

Kaua'i council-elect names Asing chairman

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The County Council-elect yesterday picked its most veteran member, Kaipo Asing, to serve as chairman for the coming two-year term but denied him his pick for the No. 2 spot.

The new seven-member council, which takes office Dec. 2, met in an open session yesterday. Councilman Jimmy Tokioka was elected by a 4-3 vote over former Mayor JoAnn Yukimura to serve as vice chairman.

Asing backed Yukimura for vice chairwoman. The split vote suggests divisions within the incoming council.

Yukimura, the highest vote-getter among council candidates Nov. 5, said she had wanted the top position but deferred to Asing's experience. She said she had the leadership skills to help guide the council as vice chairwoman.

Tokioka said that in a year when only three of seven incumbents are returning, he offered continuity and experience.

The vote was taken by secret ballot.

Committee leadership also was determined. Finance and Intergovernmental Relations will be headed by Joe Munechika, with Tokioka as vice chairman; Planning by Yukimura and Jay Furfaro; Parks and Public Works by Tokioka and Daryl Kaneshiro; Energy, Public Safety and Services by Mel Rapozo and Munechika; Community Assistance by Kaneshiro and Yukimura; and Economic Development by Furfaro and Rapozo.

Each of those committees has five members. The seven-member Committee of the Whole will be headed by Asing.